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LabState ver 1.0, User’s Guide to Software
1.Introduction
LabState (renamed from AniLab ver 6.54) is a graphic state notation program designed to control
devices for laboratory animal behavioral research. Its principle function is to control operant
chambers. These devices include standard digital “ON/OFF” apparatus, such as:
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digital input devices (levers, nose pokes, infrared detectors, etc.)
digital output devices (lights, infusion pumps, etc.)
However, unlike most operant control systems, LabState also supports video image analysis.
Animal’s moving or position signal can be used in behavioral experiments such as:
 video tracking: locomotion activity, conditioned place preference/aversion, light/dark box,
shuttle box, etc.
 global activity: immobility analysis such as conditioned fear, forced swim test, tail suspension
test, etc.
LabState can also control analog devices, such as:
 weight signal (food intake monitoring)
 pressure response signal (acoustic startle reflex)
and other devices:
 keyboard and mouse input
 audio output (acoustic startle reflex)
 touchscreen input (used for CANTAB tasks)
 graphical output on multiple computer monitors (used for CANTAB tasks)
LabState is the underlying platform that runs some of the most popular behavioral tasks and task
suites in use today. So, if you want to write your own behavioral tasks, you can do so using
LabState.
Features
 was specifically designed to make behavioral programming simple, reliable and fast, by using
a graphic user-interface;
 timing of events such as lever presses is with accuracy of millisecond range;
 runs up to or more than 16 boxes simultaneously, each box runs its own task independently;
 runs on cheap, standard hardware (generic PCs, sound, video, and I/O cards);
 uses a standard operating system (windows 98/ME/2000/XP/VISTA/WIN7/WIN8).
About State notation:
State notation has been increasingly utilized to describe and implement behavioral procedures since its
adaptation for this purpose in 1970. The original version describes states as unique segments of an
experimental procedure, accompanied by specified stimulus conditions. Transitions among states are
triggered by inputs from the subject, or by the passage of time, and may be the occasion for changing
stimulus conditions, recording data, or per-forming other operations. Extensive usage has suggested a
number of possible improvements, and the notation therefore has been expanded and modified.
Revisions recently incorporated in state notation increase its power as a descriptive device for
effectively communicating the procedural details of reinforcement contingencies. Arthur G. Snapper,
Ronald M. Kadden, Geoffrey B. Inglis. State notation of behavioral procedures. Behavior Research
Methods & Instrumentation. May 1982, Volume 14, Issue 3, pp 329-342
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